West Country

Chess craze in schools

The game of chess might have a rather elite image but that could be about to change thanks to a new legion of young fans. Nearly £700,000 has recently been set aside to introduce chess to city school children.

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Saturday 18 May sees 'My first Chess Competition' at Bristol City Hall - designed for some of the 1,600 children who are learning chess every week in schools in our region. It is an informal chess competition for those who have some basic knowledge of the game.

Sunday 19 is the Bristol Junior Chess Championship - first time in 17 years the event has been held. It's designed for the more experienced player, those who attend their weekly school chess club and are a reasonable level.

Nearly £700,000 has recently been set aside to introduce chess to city schoolchildren who would otherwise probably never experience it. Richard Payne has visited a school in Bristol where chess is a popular part of the curriculum.